All on-track action for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will take place over a condensed two-day schedule, Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23. Practice and qualifying are set for Saturday, with the 24th annual Brickyard 400 at 3 p.m. (ET) Sunday.
A full schedule of speed Saturday also will include qualifying and the race for the NASCAR XFINITY Series event, with the 250-mile race starting at 3:30 p.m. The event weekend will start Friday, July 21 on the 2.5-mile oval with two practice sessions for the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
An engaging, new Friday Fan Fest featuring stars of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the popular Hauler Parade that afternoon and evening will complete the opening day of race weekend at IMS.
“This new, fan-friendly schedule packs all of the on-track action of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series into Saturday and Sunday,” said J. Douglas Boles, IMS president. “Friday’s focus will be on providing engaging opportunities for our spectators, as NASCAR XFINITY Series practice and Fan Fest activities kick off one of the biggest weekends of the season for IMS and NASCAR.”
Superstars of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will interact with spectators during the Friday Fan Fest, with other entertainment options also available for the entire family. Fans then can head to nearby Main Street in Speedway for the popular, annual Hauler Parade in the evening. Colorful, gleaming Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series haulers will be lined up on Main Street for fans to see and photograph, with displays, promotions, music and food and beverage vendors also part of the fun.
The schedule Saturday, July 22 features more than five hours of on-track action from NASCAR’s two top series, from 9 a.m. until the early evening hours.
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice kicks off the Saturday schedule from 9-9:55 a.m., with another practice from 11-11:55 a.m. Then the NASCAR XFINITY Series takes center stage with qualifying at 12:45 p.m. followed by the race at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday will see a thrilling conclusion as Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers compete for starting spots in the Brickyard 400 during three-round qualifying starting at 6:15 p.m.
The intriguing, new three-stage race format for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR XFINITY Series will make its IMS debut during both races on this weekend.
Kyle Busch will attempt to become the first driver to win the Brickyard 400 in three consecutive years and join Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson in the exclusive club of drivers who have won this marquee NASCAR event at least three times.
Tickets are on sale now at IMS.com for all three days of the Brickyard 400 event weekend. Kids 15 and under are free all three days when accompanied by an adult General Admission ticket holder. Visit IMS.com for more information about the Brickyard 400 weekend.
2017 Brickyard 400 Weekend Schedule
(All times local)
Friday, July 21
1-1:55 p.m. NASCAR XFINITY Series first practice
3-3:55 p.m. NASCAR XFINITY Series final practice
Afternoon/Evening Friday Fan Fest and Hauler Parade
Saturday, July 22
9-9:55 a.m. Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series first practice
11-11:55 a.m. Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series final practice
12:45 p.m. NASCAR XFINITY Series qualifying
3:30 p.m. NASCAR XFINITY Series race (100 laps)
6:15 p.m. Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying
Sunday, July 23
3 p.m. Brickyard 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race (160 laps)
SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway